WaterVerge

Is Wilson, WY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

536 residents served 5 water systems PWSID: WY5601473
Overall Score
48 / 100
Violations
9 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#53 of 65 in Wyoming Top 86% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
48/100
waterverge.com
D 48/100

Wilson, WY — Water Quality Report

Wilson's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 536 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 231 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wilson's water

Wilson ranks #53 out of 65 cities in Wyoming for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Wilson relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Wilson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 73 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
48 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Wilson, WY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wilson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 536 residents using groundwater (wells).

9
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Wilson

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
16 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Endrin, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene.

Violation
55 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228), Radium-226.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilson's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.40 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Wilson's water system has 231 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 73 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMRTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Apr 2024 Endrin Resolved
Apr 2024 Methoxychlor Resolved
Apr 2024 Toxaphene Resolved
Apr 2024 Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate Resolved

Where does Wilson's water come from?

Wilson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 536 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gros Ventre River (river), Granite C Ab Granite C Supplemental, Nr Moose (river), Fish Creek (river), Flat Creek Below Cache Creek, (river), Snake River Below Flat Creek, (river).

What Wilson residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilson's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.40 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

231
Total violations
1
Health-based
9
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

231 Total
9 Active
1 Health-based
222 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
101
Volatile Organic Chemicals
84
Inorganic Chemicals
16
Total Coliform Rule
7
Nitrate Rule
6
Jun 2021 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jan 2012 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2001 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2025
Apr 2024 Resolved
Endrin
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Toxaphene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Chlordane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Heptachlor epoxide
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Showing 20 of 231 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Teton County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.

6
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
22.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Wilson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.40 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 2005 (1.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.150 mg/L from 1999 (1.550 mg/L) to 2016 (1.400 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
536
Water Systems
5
Water Source

Where Wilson's water comes from

Groundwater

Wilson's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 536 people through 5 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wilson

Wilson is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Gros Ventre River
river
Granite C Ab Granite C Supplemental, Nr Moose
river
Fish Creek
river
Flat Creek Below Cache Creek,
river
Snake River Below Flat Creek,
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wilson

System Name PWSID Population Source
FISH CREEK IMPROVEMENT AND SERVICE DIST WY5601473 210 GW
INDIAN PAINTBRUSH WATER DISTRICT WY5600758 150 GW
WILSON PARK SUBDIVISION WY5601624 75 GW
C-V RANCHES (BOCES REG V) WY5600806 51 GW
HWY 390 LLC WY5601725 50 GW
Regional Comparison

How Wilson compares

Full Wyoming rankings →

Wilson's score of 48/100 is below the average of 55/100 among major Wyoming cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Wilson (this city)
48
Cheyenne
30.8
Casper
41.8
Gillette
44.5
Laramie
55.2
Jackson
43.2
Wyoming avg
55
City Profile

About Wilson, WY

Economic Profile
$128,981
Median Income
0%
Unemployment
Community
47
Median Age
22
People / sq mi
81.4%
College Educated
88.8%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wilson, WY tap water safe to drink?

Wilson's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #53 out of 65 cities tested in Wyoming.

What contaminants are in Wilson's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 231 violations are on record.

How is Wilson's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Wilson?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wilson's water come from?

Wilson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 536 residents.

What health violations has Wilson's water system had?

Wilson has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.

Is Wilson's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Wilson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 231 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Wilson's water compare to other cities?

Wilson ranks #53 out of 65 cities in Wyoming (better than 18% of state cities) and #13551 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.